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Distribution patterns and drivers of non-endemic and endemic rodent species in China
  • Lei Meng,
  • Lizhi Zhou
Lei Meng
Anhui University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Lizhi Zhou
Anhui University
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Abstract

Species distribution patterns are essential for the conservation of biodiversity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of multiple ecological hypotheses on the spatial patterns of rodent species richness in China. First, we divided the geographic region of China into 80 × 80 km2 grid cells and mapped the distribution ranges of the 237 rodent species. Rodent taxa were separated into three response variables based on their distribution: (a) all species, (b) non-endemic species, and (c) endemic species. The predictors were divided into four factor sets: (a) energy-water, (b) climatic seasonality, (c) habitat heterogeneity, and (d) human factors, which were used to represent four different ecological hypotheses. We then performed multiple regression analysis (OLS), spatial autoregressive models (SAR), and variation partitioning analyses to determine the effects of predictors on the spatial patterns of rodent species. The Hengduan Mountains and surrounding mountains in southwest China showed the highest species richness and endemism. Habitat heterogeneity is the most important factor explaining the species richness distribution patterns across all species and non-endemic species. Endemic species richness patterns are most susceptible to seasonal changes in climate and least affected by human factors. The effects of energy and water on the three response variables showed consistent levels of importance.
21 Sep 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
21 Sep 2022Submission Checks Completed
21 Sep 2022Assigned to Editor
23 Sep 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Oct 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Nov 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
21 Nov 20221st Revision Received
22 Nov 2022Submission Checks Completed
22 Nov 2022Assigned to Editor
22 Nov 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
18 Dec 20222nd Revision Received
19 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
19 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
19 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
11 Jan 20233rd Revision Received
11 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
11 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
11 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Accept